Origins: 1972
- Inspired by necessity, not marketing: after a fight aboard the USS Ranger where a Buck 110 was used, the ship’s command banned blades over 3″ for sailors and ship stores. Buck responded by developing a smaller version of the 110, naming it the “Ranger” in reference to that aircraft carrier
- Announced in October 1972 via a dealer letter; began shipping that year. First appeared in catalogs in 1974
- The original Specs:
- 3″ clip‑point blade of 440C stainless,
- Brass bolsters, liners & spacer (later replaced by stainless to prevent deformation),
- Handle: black Micarta inlay secured by brass rivets
Early Design Upgrades (1973–1980s)
- In 1973, handle material changed to Macassar ebony inlays
- Around 1980–81, a nail‑notch was added to the blade (first models lacked it) to improve user opening performance
- In 1982, official finger‑grooved handle variant introduced—previous versions existed aftermarket only
Blade Steel Evolution
- Up to ~1992, the blade remained 440C.
- Starting 1992, Buck transitioned to 420HC steel for improved edge retention and toughness
- In 2019, handle upgraded to genuine Crelicam™ ebony (sustainably sourced via Taylor Guitars) for durability and ethical reasons
Anniversary Editions and New Variants
- 50th Anniversary (2022): Buck released limited-edition Legacy Tribute 112 (only 1,000 units), replicating the original 1972 specs—3″ 440C blade, Micarta handle, brass hardware, and special medallion or tang stamp. Some were mistakenly packaged without a medallion, though tang stamps still indicated “50 Anvil”
- “Sport Pro” and Modern Upgrades (2018 and later):
- 112 Ranger Pro: G10 handle, brushed nickel silver bolsters, S30V steel, satin finish,
- 112 Ranger LT: ultra-lightweight (~2.5 oz) nylon handle version using 420HC steel,
- Automatic Versions (2018):
- 112 Auto: button-deploy, 420HC steel, Macassar ebony handle.
- 112 Auto Elite: G10 handle with brushed bolsters, S30V blade. Both include leather sheath, made in USA
Collector Variants & Limited Editions
Community-sourced lists include variants such as:
- Classic brass & wood (clip point, drop point),
- Finger-grooved versions,
- Slim Pro (G‑10 or carbon fiber),
- Ranger Sport Pro S30V,
- Lightweight / Bucklite editions in various colors,
- Unique runs like cobalt/turquoise micarta or camouflage patterns released as limited “Buck of the Month” (e.g. March 2025 run in S35VN steel, Moss Camo Carbon handle)
Timeline Summary
Period Key Changes & Introductions1972–1973Launch with 440C blade, Micarta then ebony handles1980–81Nail notch added; stainless spacer upgrade triggered1982Finger‑grooved handle variant official1992Blade steel switched to 420HC2019Introduced Crelicam ebony handles2018Ranger Pro (S30V/G10), Ranger LT (lightweight), and Auto models released202250th Anniversary Tribute edition (limited quantity)2020sOngoing collector editions, sport/special runs like Ranger Sport Pro etc.
Final Thoughts
Since debuting in 1972, the Buck 112 Ranger has endured as a compact, reliable foldable knife beloved by outdoors enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its design evolved thoughtfully—combining improved materials, ergonomic tweaks (nail‑notch, grooves), and new variants (Pro, LT, Auto)—while preserving the hallmarks of classic Buck craftsmanship.
Would you like more details on a specific variant, user experiences over time, or how to authenticate a vintage piece?
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